Cleaning apparatus and method for using the same

ABSTRACT

A combination cleaning device useful in the cleaning of hard surfaces, or soft surfaces which combination cleaning device includes a cleaning means particularly an abrasive cleaning means such as a brush, abrasive pad or other physical means which is used to contact a surface requiring cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment, and which combination cleaning device further includes a chemical cleaning composition which may optionally also provide a sanitizing benefit, which combination cleaning device is manually graspable by a consumer. In preferred embodiments the chemical cleaning composition is provided in a pressurized or pressurizable vessel which is at least partially enclosed within the said combination cleaning device whererin the user of the device dispenses the cleaning composition which is expelled from the vessel and then to the cleaning means. Methods relating to the use of the device as well as methods or manufacturing the device are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to cleaning apparatus, and methods. Inparticular, the present invention relates to cleaning apparatus andmethods which are in certain preferred embodiments particularly suitablefor cleaning lavatories, sanitary appliances as well as plumbingfixtures and other hard surfaces.

Brushes are notoriously old articles which are known to facilitate thecleaning of surfaces, and lavatories, sanitary appliances as well asplumbing fixtures may be effectively cleaned brushes. Alternatively,chemical cleaning compositions which typically include one or moreactive agents such as cleaning agent, disinfecting agent, fragranceagent, and/or an anti-lime scale agent or a mixture of two or more ofsuch agents are also known to be useful. It is also known to use acombination of physical and chemical cleaning. Good results are expectedwhen a chemical cleaning composition in used in conjunction with abrush, as the brush provides good abrasive contact with a soiledlavatory, sanitary appliance, plumbing fixture or for that matter anyother surface particuarly hard surfaces, which abrasive contacttypically loosens stains and soils on the surface(s) which can be morereadily treated by the chemical cleaning composition. The art hassuggested various articles of manufacture which suggest such acombination. For example, EP 123152A describes a system comprising acartridge having a cleaning brush attached thereto, and wherein acleaning fluid is discharged from a flexible bag through the cleaningbrush. Further devices known to the art include those described in thefollowing documents: GB 2342403; WO 01/45533; U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,555;U.S. Pat. No. 4,534,669; DE 2331694; DE 2040496; DE 1912606; GB 2342403;EP 1190644; DE 20101259; DE 29918902; DE 2331694; as well as DE 3104734.

Such combination cleaning device s however are typically poorly receivedby consumers as they typically suffer from a number of disadvantageswhich results in low consumer satisfaction which in turn limits theiractual use. Such combination cleaning devices are often perceived to beineffective in providing a desired cleaning and/or sanitizing effect.One particular shortcoming is in the messiness of using such devices, orthe difficulty in dipsening a chemical cleaning compositions associatedwith such combination devcies. Such devices are typcially often unwieldyin use.

Broadly recited, it is amongst the objects of the present invention toprovide a combination cleaning device useful in the cleaning of hardsurfaces such as non-porous surfaces including glass, metals, ceramicsurfaces, and the like as well as soft surfaces such as textiles,carpets, upholstery, garments and the like which combination cleaningdevice includes a body, and a cleaning head particularly an abrasivecleaning head such as a brush, abrasive pad or other physical abrasivemeans which is used to contact a surface requiring cleaning and/ordisinfecting treatment, and which combination cleaning device furtherincludes a chemical cleaning composition which may optinally alsoprovide a sanitizing benefit, which combination cleaning device ismanually graspable usually at the body thereof, by a user of the device.In paricularly preferred environments the chemical cleaning compositionis provided in a vessel, which may be a non-pressurized, or alternatelymay be a pressurized or pressurizable vessel which is at least partiallyenclosed within the body of the combination cleaning device whererin theuser of the device dispenses the cleaning composition which is expelledfrom the vessel and then to the cleaning means. Desirably the vesselincludes an interlocking device mounted on said vessel or within thebody of the combination cleaning device, or may be present on both thevessel and body, which must be properly engaged in order to permitdispensation of the cleaning composition from the vessel when thecombination cleaning device is used.

Further objects of the invention include methods for treating a hard orsoft surface in need of a cleaning and/or disinfecting treatment whichmethod contemplates providing a combination cleaning device including acleaning head and a chemical cleaning composition provided in a vessel,particularly a pressurized or pressurizable vessel, dispensing aquantity of the chemical cleaning composition to the cleaning means, andsubsequently contacting the cleaning head with the surface in need oftreatement.

Still further objects of the invention relate to methods formanufacturing a combination cleaning device as described herein.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided acombination cleaning device in the form of a lavatory brush comprising abody which also functions as a handle graspable by a user of the device,and as a cleaning head, a brush head having a proximal end dependingfrom the body and a distal end, the body having a cavity foraccommodating a chemical cleaning composition and means for impellingchemical cleaning composition along a conduit from the body to the brushhead, the brush head having bristles and having an outlet for chemicalcleaning composition, proximate to the distal end thereof. By“proximate” when referring to the outlet(s), is to be understod thatmean that the outlet is at the distal end of the brush, or in the regionof the brush head near to the distal end of the brush. Preferably thebrush head has only one outlet at the distal end outlet(s). According toone particularly preferred embodiment of the first aspect of theinvention the outlet, or each outlet present in the brush head isarranged to issue cleaning composition without contacting the bristlesof the brush head.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda combination cleaning device comprising a body which also functions asa handle graspable by a user of the device, and which contains a vesselcontaining a cleaning composition, means for impelling chemical cleaningcomposition along a conduit from the body to a cleaning head, whereinthe cleaning head includes at least one outlet for the cleaningcomposition, and wherein the cleaning head may be permanently affixed tothe body, or which may be removably affixed to the body or which may beinterchanged by the user of the combination cleaning device. Said aspectof the invention contemplates for the subsitution of a variety ofdifferent cleaning heads which may be affixed to the body and each ofwhich may be used to form a combination cleaning device. Each of thedifferent cleaning heads desirably include a proximate end which may beremovably attached to the body of the combination cleaning device eitherdirectly or by means of an intermediate linking member, as well as aconduit and at least one outlet for the chemical cleaning composition atthe distal end of the cleaning head. Specific examples of cleaning headinclude: a brush head comprising one or more tufts of bristles, whereinsaid brush head and bristles may be formed according to any of a numberof configurations; a cleaning head which includes a pad of annon-abrasive or abrasive material such as an abrasive pad; a cleaninghead which includes a surface onto which may be removably affixed awoven or non-woven wipe or other generally planar sheet material whichmay provide an abrasive effect, which wipe or generally planar sheetmaterial may be a single-use wipe or which may be used a number of timesbefore being removed and discarded. The cleaning head may include anycombination of such materials as recited above. The various forms ofcleaning heads may have one or more outlets at a distal end thereofwhich permits for the egress of the cleaning composition from thecleaning head. In certain preferred embodiments the cleaning head has aplurality of outlets. According to other preferred embodiments thecleaning head comprises a single outlet at the distal end thereof.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a combination cleaningdevice comprising a body adapted for containing a vessel containing aquantity of a cleaning composition, said body which also functions as ahandle graspable by a user of the device, and a cleaning head whereinthe cleaning head may be permanently affixed, or which may be removablyaffixed to the body and which may be interchanged by the user of thecombination cleaning device, said combination cleaning device whichfurther comprises mounted on said vessel or within said body, or partsof which may be present on both the vessel and body, which interlockingdevice must be properly engaged in order to permit egress of thecleaning composition from the vessel when the combination cleaningdevice is used.

In any of the aspects of the invention, preferably the cleaningcomposition is contained in vessel, e.g., a canister within the body ofthe combination cleaning device, and most preferably the vessel isremovable from within the body and is replaceable within the body.

In any of the aspects of the invention, the vessel need not be totallyobscured from view when inserted within the body, rather it may bepartially visible when installed within the body of the combinationdevice taught herein. For example, a portion of the body may be omitted,so to form a viewing window which would permit the user to view at leasta part of the vessel when the vessel is installed in the body. Suchwould be particuarly convenient wherein it would be advatageous for theconsumer to view a label or other identifying marking(s) on the vesselwhen the combination device is assembled and ready for use as describedhereinafter.

The vessel according to the invention includes a closure or other formof valve which may be used to limit the egress of cleaning compositionfrom the vessel. According to certain embodiments the vessel is ventedby a one-way valve. Preferably the one-way valve is located within thebody of the combination cleaning device. Preferably, this one-way valveis located such that it does not become submerged during use of thecombination cleaning device. In certain embodiments, the vessel ispreferably vented to allow for the ingress of air as cleaningcomposition is impelled from the combination cleaning device.Alternately and preferably the vessel may be pressurized, such thatfluid exiting the vessel cannot be retracted into the vessel once it itdispensed.

The cleaning composition necessarily is impelled from the vessel inorder to dispense the cleaning composition through the cleaning head inthe device according to the invention. A variety of means, andtechniques may be used to effectively dispense the cleaning compositionfrom the vessel.

Desirably, the means for impelling are operable by one hand. Preferably,the means for impelling are operable by a hand which is grasping andsupporting the body of the combination cleaning device. Preferably, themeans for impelling are operable by the (human) hand and/or is actuatedby the (human) hand which is grasping and supporting the body of thecombination cleaning device without adjustment of the position of saidhand on the combination cleaning device.

One means for impelling the cleaning composition contemplates the use ofan electrical motor which is contained in the body of the combinationcleaning device, which motor is actuated by an electrical contact orelectrical switch which, when engaged closes a circuit which transmitselectrical current from a battery/battery which operates the motor. Themotor engages one or more suitable mechanical elements which, whendriven by the motor, cause the cleaning composition to be impelled fromthe inventive device. Any suitable mechanical elements may be used toachieve this effect and such mechanical elements. By way of non-limitingexample suitable mechanical elements include one or more of thefollowing combinations of mechanical elements:

-   -   (a) a gear mounted on the shaft of the electrical motor engages        a piston connected to a piston rod, said piston rod having a        rack of mating gear teeth which engage the gear mounted on the        motor shaft, such that when the motor is engaged the piston is        urged against the vessel contained in the body which impels the        release of the cleaning composition;    -   (b) a threaded gear on the shaft of, or a threaded shaft of the        electrical motor engages a piston connected to a piston rod,        wherein the piston rod including a threaded portion which        engages the threaded gear/threaded shaft of the motor, such that        when the motor is engaged the piston is urged against the vessel        contained in the body which impels the release of the cleaning        composition;    -   (c) a rotatable lobed cam or rotatable wheel eccentrically        mounted on the shaft of the electrical motor, such that when the        motor is actuated, the rotating lobed cam or wheel is urged        against the vessel contained in the body which impels the        release of the cleaning composition;    -   (d) a rotatable lobed cam or rotatable eccentric wheel is        mounted on the shaft of the electrical motor, which is used in        conjuncation with a mechanically opearable pump having a        pump-arm (trigger) such that when the motor is actuated, the        rotating lobed cam or wheel is urged against the pump-arm of the        mechanically operable pump which operation impels the release of        the cleaning composition;

Of the aforesaid combinations of mechanical elements with electricalmotors, those described in (a) and (b) in certain embodiments (c) areparticularly useful when the vessel is an aerosol canister or otherpressurized vessel, while those described in (d) and in certainembodiments of (c) are particulary useful with non-pressurized vessels.

The electrical motor may be any which is suitable to provide sufficientforce, however low voltage electrical motors which may be operated froma battery source are conveniently and advantageously used. The batterysource may be single-use non-rechargeable batteries, or may berechargeable batteries, including appropriately sized lithium ion, andnickel cadium based batteries. While the use of batteries are preferredas such pemits for the convenient and mobile use of the combinationcleaning device, it is contemplated that the motor may also be poweredby connection to a non-portable power source, e.g., a suitabletransformer attached to the electrical mains of a building.

A further means for impelling the cleaning composition contemplates theuse of an electrical solenoid which is contained in the body of thecombination cleaning device, which solenoid is actuated by an electricalcontact or electrical switch which, when engaged closes a circuit whichtransmits electrical current from a battery/battery which operates thesolenoid. The plunger of the solenid may conveniently engage one or moresuitable mechanical elements which, when driven by the solenoid, causethe cleaning composition to be impelled from the inventive device.Alternately the plunger of the solenid may engage a portion of a vessel,particularly a aerosol canister or other pressurized vessel and urge ittowards the distal end of the body of the combination cleaning device,and impel the cleaning composition from the vessel. Such a solenoid maybe any which is found to be effective, but is desirably one which may beoperated using a low voltage source, such as may be provided bybatteries or a transformer such as described above with reference to theuse of an electrical motor.

A still further means for impelling the cleaning compositioncontemplates the use of an electrically operated pump which is containedin the body of the combination cleaning device, which pump is actuatedby an electrical contact or electrical switch which, when engaged closesa circuit which transmits electrical current from a battery/batterywhich operates the pump. Such means is particularly adapted for use indispensing cleaning composition from a non-pressurized vessel.

A further means for impelling the cleaning composition which does notrequire a motor or electrical current contemplates the use of anengageable shaft connected at one end thereof to a piston, and amanually operable trigger which, when operated interacts with theengageable shaft to advance it in linear direction. An embodiment ofsuch means may be, e.g., a flexible shaft having a rack of teeth, and anengagement gear or engagement pawl associated with the trigger of thecombination cleaning device. In operation, depressing the trigger enagesthe engaement gear, or pawl with one or more of the teeth of the shaft,causing the rack attached at one end to a piston forward. This motiveforce may be used to expel a cleaning composition from any of a varietyof vessels which may be used with the present invention, particularywith non-pressurized vessels such as bellows bottles, or othercollapsible or manually deformable vessels.

One preferred means for impelling the cleaning composition comprises theuse of a manually-operable pump, wherein the pump is operable by theuser. Desriably such a manually operable pump only permits for theegress of chemical cleaning composition from the vessel when it isoperated or otherwise actuated.

An alternate preferred means for impelling the cleaning compositioncomprises the use of a vessel which is manually deformable. The userutilizing the combinantion device, via pressure such as squeezingpressure exerted by the user, cases the deformation of the vessel whichimpels the egress of the cleaning composition containined within thevessel.

A still further alternate preferred means for impelling the cleaningcomposition comprises the use of a deformable vessel which however isdeformed by means other than that directly exerted by a user, forexample, a pressurized or pressurizable vessel which has anon-deformable exterior such as a metal canister, said vessel whichcontains a first plenum or a deformable bag containing the cleaningcomposition, and a second plenum which may be the intermediate volumebetween the first plenum and remaining interior volume of the vessel. Insuch a preferred embodiment it is contemplated that pressurization of,or an increase in the volume of the second plenum causes a reduction inthe volume of the first plenum which causes the egress of the cleaningcomposition from the vessel.

An alternate preferred means for impelling the cleaning compositioncomprises the use of a vessel which contains two or more separatechemical cleaning compositions which are contained in a vessel (orplurality of vessels) which contain the two or more chemical cleaningcompositions separate from one another until the said chemical cleaningcompositions are expelled from the vessel wherein they may intermix.Such may be particularly advantageous wherein the cleaning compositionis stably stored and contained in two or more separate plenums within avessel, or in two or more separate vessels but when mixed form an activecleaning and/or disinfecting composition. One example of such a cleaningcomposition having such properties are two-part compositions containinga bleach constitutent in one of said two parts, and a bleach activiatorconstituent in the other of said two parts which, when intermixed, forma highly effective bleach composition which may have both cleaningefficacy and/or sanitizing efficacy.

A particularly preferred and effective example of a vessel which may beused in the combination cleaning device according to the invention is apressurized aerosol canister which comprises a pressurizable canister,and a manually actuated valve which, when actuated, releases itscontents under pressure.

A further effective example of a vessel which may be used in thecombination cleaning device is a known as an “Atmos” vessel, which maybe generally described as comprising a flexible inner bladder adapted tocontain a quantity of a material, such as the cleaning compositionaccording to the invention, which inner bladder is contained within anelastomeric sleeve. The inner bladder may be filled and used to containthe cleaning composition wherein it is maintained in a pressurized statedue to the mechanical compressive force of the inner bladder, butprimarily due to the mechanical compressive force of the elastomericsleeve. The Atmos vessel further comprises a valve or other outlet orvalve which can be acutated in order to permit the egress of itscontents under pressure.

A still further effective form of a vessel which may be used in thecombination cleaning device is a bellows bottle. Such bellows bottlesmay be generally described as a collapsible vessel which may becompressed, typically substantially only in one direction, usually inthe vertical direction. Typically a series of preformed pleats or ribsare formed in the bellows bottle such that when it is compressed, thewall(s) of the bellows bottle folds in the direction of the pleats orribs, and simultaneously the interior volume of the bellows bottle isdiminished. Typically, when used in the combination cleaning devicetaught herein the cleaning composition may be maintained in anunpressurized state, as pressurization of the contents of the bellowsbottle occurs when the bellows bottle is compressed and its interiorvolume diminished. Of course, a a valve or other outlet or valve whichcan be acutated is typically present with the bellows bottle in order topermit the egress of its contents under pressure.

Other forms of vessels which may be used with the combination cleaningdevice are described with reference to the Figures. It is to beunderstood varous forms of vessels may be used with differentconfigurations of the combination cleaning device and thus satisfy theobjectives of the present invention.

Most preferably, the means for impelling are manually operated.Preferably, the means for impelling are actuated by a user's own force.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided amethod for cleaning surface such as hard surface or a soft surface,which method comprises the steps of:

-   -   (a) providing a combination cleaning as described herein wherein        said device includes a vessel contining a cleaning        composition; (b) impelling the cleaning composition to exit from        the vessel, and pass through the body to one or more outlets at        the brush head, through the outlet proximate to the distal end        of the brush head and directing chemical cleaning composition        passing through the outlet onto a surface to be cleaned; and (c)        using the bristle brush, head in combination with the chemical        cleaning composition to clean the surface, to be cleaned.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodimentsof the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, byway of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a back view of the embodiment of Figure

FIG. 3 shows a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a side view of components for use in. the embodiment ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in use;

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 incombination with a stand;

FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a canister being fitted to theembodiment of FIG. 8 in use;

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 in use;

FIG. 11 shows an exploded perspective view of still further embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a canister being fitted to theembodiment of FIG. 11 in use;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 11 in use;

FIG. 14 shows an exploded perspective view of a yet further embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a canister being fitted to theembodiment of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 14 in use.

FIG. 17 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 18 shows a cross-section view along line A-A of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of the device shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of a combination cleaning deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of an interlocking device adapted tobe mounted upon a vessel according to the present invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates in a cross-sectional view the arrangment of theinterlocking device according to FIG. 21 mounted on an aerosol canister,and engaged within the body of a combination cleaning device accordingto the invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an interlocking deviceadapted to be mounted upon a vessel according to the present invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates in a cross-sectional view the arrangment of thealternative interlocking device according to FIG. 23 mounted on anaerosol canister, and engaged within the body of a combination cleaningdevice according to the invention.

FIGS. 25 depicts an embodiment of a cleaning head according to theinvention which may be used to form a combination cleaning device

FIGS. 26A through 26E depict alternative embodiments of a cleaning headaccording to the invention. which may be used to form a combinationcleaning device.

FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning deviceaccording to the invention which includes a rotatable wheeleccentrically mounted on the shaft of the electrical motor, such thatwhen the motor is actuated, the rotating lobed cam or wheel is urgedagainst the vessel contained in the body which impels the release of thecleaning composition.

FIG. 28 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning deviceaccording to the invention which includes an electrical solenoid whichis contained in the body of the combination cleaning device, which, whenactuated engages a portion of a vessel, particularly a aerosol and urgesit towards the distal end of the body of the combination cleaningdevice, and impel the cleaning composition from the vessel.

FIG. 29 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning deviceaccording to the invention which includes a a gear mounted on the shaftof the electrical motor engages a piston connected to a piston rod, saidpiston rod having a rack of mating gear teeth which engage the gearmounted on the motor shaft, such that when the motor is engaged thepiston is urged against the vessel contained in the body which impelsthe release of the cleaning composition.

FIG. 30 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning deviceaccording to the invention which includes an engageable shaft connectedat one end thereof to a piston, and a manually operable trigger which,when operated interacts with the engageable shaft to advance it inlinear direction, and which urges the cleaning composition from thevessel.

FIGS. 31A and 31B illustrate alternate mounting devices for remoablymounting cleaning heads upon the body of a combination cleaning device.

FIG. 32 illustrates an alternate mounting device for remoably mountingcleaning heads upon the body of a combination cleaning device.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 to 7 therein is shown an embodiment of thecombination cleaning device according to the invention in the form of alavatory brush 100 comprising a bristle brush head 10 and a handle 20.The bristle brush head 10 exemplifies one form of a cleaning headaccording to the invention, while the handle 20 exemplfies one form of abody according to the invention. The bristle brush head 10 comprises aproximal end 12, a distal end 14, bristles 16 and an outlet 18. Thehandle 20 comprises a neck 22, a body 24, a lid 26 and a trigger 28. Theneck 22 and body 24 of the handle 20 are formed from two conjoinedsections; a front section 30 and a rear section 32. The proximal end 12of the bristle brush head 10 is attached to a distal end′ of the neck22. The lid 26 is movable between a first position in 20 which it closesan aperture defined by a proximal end of the body 24 of the handle 20and a second position in which the aperture is unobstructed. The lid 26is hinged to move from the first position to the second position byhinge means (not shown). The lid 26 is secured in the first position byan interference fit joint. A recess 23 is provided in the body 24 of thehandle 20 to assist the user in moving the lid 26 from the firstposition to the second position.

The body 24 of the handle 20 is shaped to allow it to be easily graspedby a user. The body 24 of the handle 20 is also shaped to allow it tocontain a canister 34 of chemical cleaning composition. The canister 34exemplifies a vessel according to the invention. The canister 34 ismanufactured from a transparent plastics material, although it may alsobe produced from an opaque material such as a metal.

A proximal end of the canister 34 comprises a vent 36. The vent 36comprises a one way valve allowing air to pass from the atmosphere intothe canister 34 when the air space within the canister 34 is increased,during operation. Neither air nor chemical cleaning composition fromwithin the canister 34 can pass through the vent 36 to exit the canister34.

A distal end of the canister 34 comprises a pump 38. The pump 38 can beactuated to draw chemical cleaning composition from within the canister34. Actuation of the pump 38 reduces the pressure within the canister 34drawing air from the atmosphere through the vent 36 into the canister34. When the pump 38 is not being actuated no chemical cleaningcomposition can exit the canister 34. The pump 38 may be formed of anassemble of discrete components which cooperate to provide a pumpingeffect when operated.

Within the lavatory brush 100 is contained a trigger mechanism 36 and aconduit 42, which in this embodiment is a passage generally concentricwith the neck 22 and with the bristle brush head 10 and which passestherethrough where it terminates at an orifice, or opening at the distalend of the bristle brush head 10. The trigger mechanism 40 cooperateswith the trigger 28 to allow a user to impel chemical cleaningcomposition contained within the canister 34 along a conduit 42 to exitthe bristle brush head 10 through the opening 18 at the distal end 14.Preferably the chemical cleaning composition exiting the opening 18 doesso without contacting the bristles. Desirably, the cleaning compositionexits the combination cleaning device as a jet able to impinge upon alavatory surface, particularly a toilet bowl surface.

In use, a vessel, or canister 34 containing a cleaning composition isinserted into the handle 20 through the aperture defined by a proximalend of the body 24 of the handle 20 when the aperture is unobstructed bythe lid 26. The lid 26, is then replaced to, improve the aestheticappeal of the lavatory brush 100, to prevent dirt from entering thehandle 20 and to retain the canister 34 in place. The pump 38 locatedwithin the handle 30, communicating with the conduit 42 and the triggermechanism 40. A user grasps the body 24 of the handle 20 and canconveniently use an index finger to actuate the trigger 28. Symmetry ofthe illustrated device facilitates use by left and right-handed users.Actuation of the trigger 28 transmits force through the triggermechanism 14 to the pump 38. Upon actuation, the pump, 38 impelschemical cleaning composition from within the canister 34 into theconduit 42. Further actuation of the pump 38 impels chemical cleaningcomposition along the conduit 42 and through the opening 18 and thedistal end of the bristle brush head 10.

A transparent portion 33 of the rear section 32 allows the level ofchemical cleaning composition within the canister 34 to be easilyobserved by the user, although not all embodiments of the combinatoncleaning device include a transparent portion in the body of thecombination cleaning device.

The user may operate the combination cleaning device according to any ofa number of cleaning methods made possible by the use of the lavatorybrush 100. The user can spread a layer of chemical cleaning compositionfrom the lavatory brush 100 over surfaces to be cleaned by firstactuating the trigger 28 before contacing the treated surface with thebristles 16 of the bristle brush head 10. Alternatively, the user cansimultaneously brush and apply chemical cleaning composition to asurface being treated. Of course, the combination cleaning device can beused without chemical cleaning composition if desired. The location ofthe outlet 18 proximate the distal end 14 of the bristle brush head 10allows the user to accurately judge the amount of chemical cleaningcomposition dispensed. Also, the user can accurately direct the chemicalcleaning composition to 5 where it is required. The positioning of theoutlet 18 also usuallly helps to maintain the bristles 16 free from abuild-up of unused chemical cleaning composition.

The pump 38 is preferably designed to avoid sucking any chemicalcleaning composition, air or other fluid back into the canister 34.However, to further reduce this possibility a one-way valve (not shown)may be located in the conduit 42 immediately within the outlet 18. Asthe vent 36 is situated within the body 24 of the handle, it is unlikelyto become submerged or exposed to other fluids. The vent 36 willtherefore in use allow only air to pass through it and enter thecanister 34.

As the pump 36 only dispenses chemical cleaning composition when it isbeing actuated by a user, the canister 34 can be swapped for onecontaining an alternative chemical cleaning composition without drippingor making other undesirable mess. Similarly, a canister 34 that is allbut empty will not drip or leak when removed for replacement.

FIG. 7 shows the lavatory brush 100 in combination with a stand 200. Thestand 200 engages the lavatory brush 100 at an interface region betweenthe neck 22 and the body 24 of the handle 20. The stand 200 allows thelavatory brush 100 to be conveniently and hygienically stored.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 to 10 there is shown a further combinationcleaning device according to the present invention, again in the form ofa lavatory brush 101. Lavatory brush 101 comprises a different canister35 than the canister 34 of FIGS. 1 to 7, and includes a number of otherdifferences in order to accommodate 5 the canister 35. Where meaningful,like reference numerals have been used for corresponding featuresbetween FIGS. 1 to 7 and FIGS. 8 to 10.

The handle 20, exemplifying a “body” according to the inventioncomprises an elongate section of a 10 plastics material attached to theproximal end 12 of the bristle brush head 10 through a collar 21. Thebristle brush head 10 exemplifies a further embodiment of a “cleaninghead” according to the present invention. A proximal end 23 of thehandle 20 comprises a pair of resilient projections 25 separated by arecess 27.

The canister 35 comprises a resilient envelope having a pair ofdiametrically opposed projections 37 extending from an upper region ofits exterior surface. The canister 35 comprises a blow mouldedthermoplastics envelope. The canister 35 locates within the handle 20and is held in place by a snap fit joint formed by engagement of theprojections 37 with the recess 27. The canister 35 exemplifies analternate form of a “vessel” according to the present invention.

To impel chemical cleaning composition from the canister 35 the userexerts manual pressure and squeezes the upper region of the canister 35.The user 25 may further manually squeeze the resilient projections 25 tocompress the canister 35 therebetween. The canister 35 is a manuallydeformable vessel.

With attention now to FIG. 8 may be seen a an embodiment of a simpleone-way valve which comprises a check-ball 18A located in the path ofthe conduit and adjacent to the outlet 18. As the vessel 35 isresilient, and dispenses chemical cleaning composition only when it isdeformed by manual squeezing, the check-ball 18A permits only for theegress of chemcial cleaning composition from the combination cleaningdevice, and not for the ingress of chemical cleaning composition intothe canister 35 of he device. Indeed such a check-ball 18A or a similarcheck ball may be incorporated into any embodiment of the invention, andprovide a useful anti-retraction feature in ensuring that fluid is notsucked back into the combination cleaning device described herein.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 to 13 there is shown still further embodimentof the combination cleaning device of the invention, again in the formof a lavatory brush 102. The lavatory brush 102 is adapted to receive acanister 35A in the form of a deformable tube. The canister 35A is atleast partially located within the handle 20 and is held in place byengagement with the lid 26. The lid 26 comprises a distal projectionhaving an aperture 27A defined therein. The aperture 27A engages with aprojection 37A extending from an upper region of the interior surface ofthe handle 20. The lid 26 is held in place by a snap-fit joint formed byengagement of the projection 37A with the aperture 27A. In thisembodiment the handle 20 exemplfies a body, the bristle brush head 10exemplifies a cleaning head and the canister 35A exemplifies a vessel,particularly a manually deformable vessel according to the presentinvention.

To impel chemical cleaning composition from the canister 35A the usermanually squeezes and deforms the upper region of the canister 35Athrough an open section of the handle 20 as can be seen in FIG. 13.

Referring now to FIGS. 14 to 16 there is shown a still furtherembodiment of a combination cleaning device according to the invention,again in the form of a lavatory brush 103. The handle 20 of the lavatorybrush 103 is similar to that of the lavatory brush 101 of FIGS. 8 to 10,and handle 20 again exemplifies a body of the combination cleaningdevice according to the invention. The handle 20 of the lavatory brush103 comprises a pair of resilient projections 25B separated by a recess27B. The recess 27B is occupied by resiliently flexible membrane. Themembrane prevents dirt from accumulating in the recess 27B and alsoprevents a user's hand from becoming trapped between the projections25B. The lavatory brush 103 also comprises a canister 35B whichexemplifies a vessel according to the invention, as well as a cleainghead, exemplfied by the bristle brush head 10 illlustrated in FIGS.14-16.

Referring now to FIG. 17, there is shown one preferred combinationcleaning device according to the invention, again in the form of alavatory brush 300 comprising a brush head 320 and a body 310, adaptedto contain a vessel which contains a chemcial cleaning composition. Thebrush head 320 exemplfies a further example of a cleaning head accordingto the invention, and the body 30 exemplifies a body of a combinationcleaning device according to the invention. Brush head 320 comprises aproximal end 322, a distal end 324, bristles 326 and an outlet 328, andincludes within a conduit 372 for conducting the cleaning compositionwhich exits from the vessel when the lavatory brush 300 is used. Thebody 310 comprises a handle portion 302, having a proximal end 302A anda distal end 302B, as well as a body portion 312, having a proximal end312A and a distal end 312B, a handle portion 302 and a body portion 312being held together with ring 316. Ring 316 is connected to handleportion 302 at distal end 302B. Body 310 is formed by connecting distalend 302B of handle portion 302 to proximal end 312A of body portion 312by interconnecting these parts and by use of engaging button 318. Thereare two engaging buttons (one opposite button 318 and not shown) butonly one button 318 is sufficient To open brush 300, engaging button(s)318 is (are)pushed and handle portion 302 can be removed, allowingaccess to the inner cavity of body portion 312. Then, an appropriate can351 (as per FIG. 18) containing a chemical cleaning composition can beremoved, when empty, and replaced with an appropriate replacement can.Can 351 exemplifies one form of a vessel according to the presentinvention.

Proximal end 302A of handle portion 302 further comprises a safety lockswitch 330 and an actuating switch 332. Safety lock switch 330 andactuating switch are interconnected 10 (as shown in FIG. 18) so as toprovide a child safety locking system to prevent accidental discharge ofthe chemical cleaning composition. Such a safety lock switch andcooperating actuating lock switch may be included in any embodiment ofthe invention, and desirably are present in any embodiment of theinvention, especially where the vessel containing the chemical cleaningcomposition is a pressurized vessel such as an aerosol canister.

Proximal end 322 of brush head 320 is attached to distal end 312B ofbody portion 312. As shown in FIG. 18, there is fluid communcationthrough the brush head 320 at outlet 328 via a conduit (not shown.)

FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of brush 300 shown in FIG. 17 alongsection line A-A. Safety lock switch 330 is connected by spring 334,which is placed within spring holder 350, to actuating switch 332. Whensafety lock switch 330 is depressed, actuating switch 332 will be ableto move, causing spring 334 to move together with spring holder 350.When spring holder 350 moves, face 354 (of spring holder 350) pushesagainst bottom rim 352 of can 351 (which can be, among others, either atraditional aerosol can where propellant and liquid are intermixed or bea system where the liquid is placed within a bag (plenum) which is thenplaced within a can and the area between the outer wall of the bag andthe inner wall of the can (second plenum) is pressurized with apropellant (the so-called “bag-in-can” or “barrier pack” aerosolpackage). The bag is then pressurized but no propellant is expelled.Examples such cans are found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,022,923; 3,109,463;3,756,476; 3,788,521; 3,896,970; 3,929,132; 4,067,499; and 6,439,430).At the end opposite bottom rim 352 is mounting cup 358, which carries avalve assembly (whose construction is well known in the art) havingvalve 356, and can overcap 360 and actuator 364. Overcap 360 rests uponnib 375 which is molded into distal end 312B. Valve 356 is connected toopening 372 through opening 370 (which is mounted within adapter 362)such that it permits a liquid or aerosol foam to be discharged out ofoutlet 328. Adapter 362 can be molded into distal end 312B or can be aseparate piece which fits within an appropriate opening within distalend 312B. Those in the art will recognize that valve 356 could beconnected to one long tube that could extend from the can 351 all theway through the distal end of body portion 312B and through opening 372until just rearward of the opening of outlet 328. When switches 330 and332 are engaged, moving spring 334 and spring holder 350 against bottomrim 352 of can 351 as described above, can 351 will be urged forward andtowards the distal end 312B of body portion 312. Such displacement ofthe can 351 causes actuator 364 to engage with overcap 360, causingvalve 356 to open, thereby allowing liquid or aerosol to flow throughthe aforementioned openings and/or tubes and ultimately out of opening328. When switches 330 and 332 are disengaged and returned to theiroriginal position, can 351 returns to its original position and actuator364 disengages with overcap 360, causing valve 356 to close, and theegress of cleaning composition from the can 351 to cease.

In FIG. 19 the components numbered within, the circles as showncorrespond to the table set out below: ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION 1 HANDLEHALF-LEFT 2 SAFETY 3 EXTENSION SPRING 4 TRIGGER 5 HANDLE HALF-RIGHT 6SLEEVE 7 52 mm STAINLESS STEEL AEROSAL CAN WITH CHIME ASSEMBLY 8ACTUATOR VALVE 9 ACTUATOR GUIDE TUBE 10 BODY 11 BRUSH 12 CADDY CANISTER13 CADDY BASE

FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of a combination cleaning device 400according to the present invention. The combination cleaning device 400comprises a brush head 405 and a body 410, adapted to contain a vesselwhich contains a chemical cleaning composition (not visible). The brushhead 405 exemplfies a further example of a cleaning head according tothe invention, and the body 410 exemplifies a body of a combinationcleaning device according to the invention. Brush head 405 comprises aproximal end 422, a distal end 424, bristles 426 and an outlet 428, andincludes within a conduit (not visible) for conducting the cleaningcomposition which exits from the vessel when the lavatory brush 400 isused. The conduit extends through the core 430 from which the bristles426 extend outward radially from the surface of core 430. The body 410comprises a handle portion 440, having a proximal end 442 and a distalend 444, as well as a body portion 450, having a proximal end 452 and adistal end 454, the handle portion 440 and a body portion 450 being heldtogether with ring 460. Ring 460 is connected to handle portion 440 atdistal end 442. Body 410 is formed by connecting distal end 442 ofhandle portion 440 to proximal end 452 of body portion 450 byinterconnecting these parts and by use of engaging button 454. In use,the distal end 444 forms a graspable handle which may be manuallygripped. To open the body 410, engaging button 454 is pushed and handleportion 440 can be removed, allowing access to the inner cavity of bodyportion 410. Then, an appropriate vessel, such as a pressurized can (notshown) containing a chemical cleaning composition can be removed, whenempty, and replaced with an appropriate replacement can.

Desirably handle portion 440 further comprises a safety lock switch 456and an actuating switch 458. Safety lock switch 456 and actuating switch458 are interconnected (as shown in FIG. 18) so as to provide a childsafety locking system to prevent accidental discharge of the chemicalcleaning composition; such may be included in any embodiment of theinvention.

The proximal end 422 of the brush head 405 is attached to distal end 454of body portion 450. While not shown in FIG. 20, it is to be understoodthat the emboidmnt shown includes a fluid conduit providing fluidcommunication through the brush head 405 with an egress at outlet 428.

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of an interlocking device adapted tobe mounted upon a vessel according to the present invention. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 21, the interlocking device 500 comprises aplate 502 having a generally circular downwardly depending skirt 504,and one or more spring legs 506 upwardly depending from the plate 502.Here while 4 spring lets 506 are depicted only one, but preferably atleast two are present. Advantageously the plate 502 and the downwardlydepending skirt 504 are advantageously generally circular andconcentric, with the inner diameter of the downwardly depending skirt504 sized to encompass a circumferential ring 507 which is commonlyfound surrounding most conventional aerosol valves and valve stems.While not visible in FIG. 21, but visible in FIG. 22 in interior of thedownwardly depending skirt 504 and near the lower margin 508 thereof aredesirably present one or more frangible tab elements 510 which may beused to provide a “snap-fit” upon the circumferential ring 507 but whenthe interlocking device 500 is removed therefrom the one or more tabelements 510 break thus dissuading or disabling the use of theinterlocking device 500 on a further vessel. The plate 502 necessarilyincludes at least a central orifice 512 which is positioned to be abovethe valve stem 514 (not shown in FIG. 21) which may be circular, orwhich may include flexible wings 516 extending towards the center of thecentral orifice 512 and providing a barrier for inadvertant contact by aconsumer with the valve stem 514 and thereby ensuring the the contentsof the pressurized canister 518 is not inadvertandly released. The plateoptionally but in most instance desrably further includes one or morekeyway aperture(s) 520 each of which extends through the plate 502 andwhich defines a passage therethrough. As seen in FIG. 21, two keywayaperture(s) 520 are depicted, each having an arcuate geometry. Theoperation of the interlocking device 500 will be more clearly describedwith reference to FIG. 22.

FIG. 22 illustrates in a cross-sectional view the arrangment of theinterlocking device 500 according to FIG. 21 mounted on an aerosolcanister 518, and installed and engaged within the body 530 of acombination cleaning device according to the invention. While only aportion of the body 530 is illustrated, and similarly while only aportion of the aerosol canister 518 contaning a pressurized cleaningcomposition is shown, the principles of this inventive embodiment willnonetheless be sufficiently described. The embodiment of the combinationcleaning device illustrated on FIG. 22 also depicts a bristled brushhead 540 as the cleaning head according to the invention.

When the vessel, viz., aerosol canister 518 having mounted thereon theinterlocking device 500 is inserted into the interior cavity 550 of thebody 530, it is moved towards the distal interior end 552 thereof andmay be rotated so that the one or more keyway aperture(s) 520 present inthe plate 502 are aligned to admit corresponding keypins 532 which passinto, and prefeably through the plate 502 via the keyway aperture(s)520. The keypins 532 extend from the sloping inner distal wall 554 ofthe body 530 towads the proximal end of the body 530. The length of eachof the keypins 532 is desirably sufficently long to pass into, orthrough its corresponding keyway aperture 520 yet not physicalyinterfere with the actuation of the valve 514. Similarly thecross-sectional geometries of each of the keypins 532 should correspondto the cross-sectional geometries of its corresponding keyway aperture520. It is contemplated that unlike the embodiment illustrated in FIG.21, that the keyway apertures 520 may have different cross-sectionalgeometries which are dissimilar. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is tobe understood that while the use of keyway aperture(s) 520 andcorresponding keypins 532 provide specific advantages, they are notnecessary to the successful practice of the invention, although theirpresence represents a particularly preferred embodiment thereof.

When the vessel, viz., aerosol canister 518 having mounted thereon theinterlocking device 500 is inserted into the interior cavity 550 of thebody 530, the spring legs 506 extend from the plate 502 and towards thesloping inner distal wall 554 of the body 530. At the same time, nipple556 extending inwardly from the distal interior end 552 of the body 530engages, or is in near proximity to the valve 514 of the aerosolcanister 518 via the central orifice 520. When flexible wings 516 arepresent, such are sufficiently flexible so as to not interfere with theegress of the chemical cleaning composition from the pressurized aerosolcanister 518 when the valve 512 is actuated. The flexible wings 516 maybe omitted in accordance with certain preferred embodiments, in whichcase the only a central orifice 520 would be present.

In use, the operation of a user of the combination cleaning device urgesthe aerosol canister 518 to move towards the distal interior end 552 ofthe body 530, causing the spring legs 506 to contact the sloping innerdistal wall 554 of the body 530, and to also cause the valve 512 toengage the nipple 556 which engagement causes the egress of the chemicalcleaning composition from the interior of the aerosol canister 518outwardly through the valve 512 and into the fluid conduit 558 where,due to its elevated pressure, it passes into the fluid conduit 560 ofthe cleaning head where it is expelled from the combination device viathe orifice 562. When the user ceases to urge the aerosol canister 518to move towards the distal interior end 552 of the body 530, the springlegs 506 relax and urge the aerosol caniser 518 to retract away from thethe sloping inner distal wall 554 of the body 530, and in the directionof the proximal end of the body (not shown.)

It is to be understood that any action by the user to cause displacementof the aerosol canister 518 with respect to the the sloping inner distalwall 554 of the body 530 which is sufficient to trigger the egress ofthe chemcial cleaning composition is sufficient, and that suchdisplacement may be caused directly by the user or by intermediatemechanical means, or by electrically opearated means such as motors orsolenoids as described above. In certain preferred embodiments theinterlock device described with reference to FIG. 21, 22 may beincorporated into the embodiments of the combination cleaning devicesaccording to the embodiments illustrated on any of FIGS. 17-20.

It is also to be understood that while the interlock device and itsoperation is described with reference to FIG. 21, 22 is discussed usinga pressurized canister, that it is clearly contemplated that any form ofvessel, pressurized or non-pressurized, deformable or non-deformably asdescribed in this specification may advantageouly incorporate such aninterlock device.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative embodiment of an interlock device 600adapted to be mounted upon a vessel, here a pressurized vessel in theform of a conventional aerosol canister 605 according to the presentinvention. The interlocking device includes a generally cylindrical body610 which is suitably dimensoned so to encompass a circumferential ring607 which is commonly found surrounding most conventional aerosol valvesand valve stems. While not visible in FIG. 23, but visible in FIG. 24within the interior of the cylindrical body 610 and near the lowermargin 608 thereof are desirably present one or more frangible tabelements 610 which may be used to provide a “snap-fit” upon thecircumferential ring 607 but when the interlocking device 600 is removedtherefrom the one or more tab elements 610 break thus dissuading ordisabling the use of the interlocking device 600 on a further vessel.The interlock device 600 also includes a plurality of spring legs 612extending upwardly from the cylindrical body 610 and each terminating atan end 614. A center nipple 616 having a fluid conduit 618 passingtherethrough, the center nipple 616 having a valve stem end 620 and atthe opposite end thereof, a top end 622. Each of the spring legs 612includes a diagonal stay 624 which interconects each spring leg 612 withthe center nipple 616 at or in the region of the valve stem end 620 suchthat when the end(s) 614 of one or more of the spring legs 612 isdisplaced or flexed in the direction of the center nipple 616, thediagonal stay 624 urges the valve stem end 620 downwardly in thedirection of the lower margin 608 of the cylindrical body 610. In use,the elements of the interlock device 600 are desirably sized ordimensioned so that there is close fit or a small distance between thevalve stem end 620 and the valve stem of the aerosol canister.

The operation of the interlock device 600 is described in more detail inconjuntion with FIG. 24. FIG. 24 illustrates in a cross-sectional viewthe arrangment of the alternative interlocking device 600 according toFIG. 23 mounted on an aerosol canister 605, and engaged within the body630 of a combination cleaning device according to the invention. As isseen from FIG. 24, the interlock device 600 is engaged by a “snap-fit”upon the periphery of the circumferential ring 607 found surrounding theaerosol valves and valve stem 640. While only a portion of the body 630is illustrated, and similarly while only a portion of the aerosolcanister 605 contaning a pressurized chemical cleaning composition isshown, the principles of this inventive embodiment will nonetheless besufficiently understood. The embodiment of the combination cleaningdevice illustrated on FIG. 24 also depicts in a pad head 690 as ancleaning head according to the invention. When the vessel, viz., aerosolcanister 605 having mounted thereon the interlock device 600 is insertedinto the interior cavity 632 of the body 630, the spring legs 612 extendtowards the sloping inner distal wall 636 of the body 630. At the sametime, conduit nipple 638 extending inwardly from the distal interior end634 of the body 630 engages, or is in near proximity to the top end 622of the center nipple 616.

In operation, the user of the combination cleaning device urges theaerosol canister 605 to move towards the distal interior end 634 of thebody 630, causing the spring legs 612 to contact the sloping innerdistal wall 636 of the body 630. Such flexes the spring legs 612inwardly in the direction of the center nipple 616 which is moveddownwardly by the action of the diagonal stays 624 which causes thevalve stem end 620 to contact the valve stem 640, causing the release ofthe pressurized chemical cleaning composition out from the interior ofthe pressurized vessel 605, whereby it exits from the pressurized vesselvia the fluid conduit 618, and thereafter through the cleaning head 690via conduit 692. When the user ceases to urge the aerosol canister 605to move towards the distal interior end 634 of the body 630, the springlegs 612 relax and urge the aerosol canister 605 to retract away fromthe the sloping inner distal wall 636 of the body 630, and in thedirection of the proximal end of the body (not shown.)

Similarly noted with regard to the embodiment illustrated on FIG. 21, 22that with reference to the embodiment shown on FIGS. 23, 24 that it isto be understood that any action by the user to cause displacement ofthe aerosol canister 605 which is sufficient to trigger the egress ofthe chemical cleaning composition is sufficient, and that suchdisplacement may be caused directly by the user or by intermediatemechanical means. In certain preferred embodiments the interlock devicedescribed with reference to FIG. 23, 24 may be incorporated into theembodiments of the combination cleaning devices according to theembodiments illustrated on any of FIGS. 17-20. It is also to beunderstood that while the interlock device and its operation isdescribed with reference to FIG. 23, 24 is discussed using a pressurizedcanister, that it is clearly contemplated that any form of vessel,pressurized or non-pressurized, deformable or non-deformably asdescribed in this specification may advantageouly incorporate such aninterlock device.

With respect now to FIG. 25, therein is depicted a cleaning head 700having a neck portion 702 and a pad portion 704. The neck portion 702includes a threaded recess 706 which includes mating threads which areadapted to receive corresonding threads present on body (not shown) usedto form a combination cleaning device. A fluid conduit 708, depicted indotted lines extends from the interior of the neck portion 702 where itterminates at a face 710 in an outlet 712 present on the underside ofpad portion 704. A similar cleaning head 700 is intended to berepresented in FIG. 24 (as 690). The cleaning head 700 also includes acleaning pad 714 which may be permanently affixed to, or which may beremovably affixed to the cleaning head 700. Conveniently the cleaningpad 714 is affixed to the face 710 by any suitable means. The pad may beof a non-abrasive or abrasive material, or alternately may be a wipe,such as a woven or non-woven wipe or may be generally any other planarsheet material which may provide an abrasive effect and/or a wipingeffect. Alternately the pad may be an absorbent foam material, such as aporous sponge, especially a porous flexible sponge which may optionallyinclude an abrasive material affixed to the sponge or incorporated intothe sponge itself. The cleaning pad 714 may also be a single-use wipe orwhich may be used a number of times before being removed and discarded.

Turning now to FIG. 26A, therein is depicted a cleaning head 750 havinga neck portion 702 and depending from the distal end therof, a barportion 720 having downwardly depending therefrom a resilient flexiblestrip 722. The neck portion 702 includes a threaded recess 706 whichincludes mating threads which are adapted to receive corresondingthreads present on body (not shown) used to form a combination cleaningdevice. A fluid conduit 708, depicted in dotted lines extends from theinterior of the neck portion 702 where it extends into the interior ofthe bar portion 720 wherein it divides into a plurality of fluidconduits 708A, 708B and 708C each of which includes a correspondingoutlet, 724A, 724B and 724C. The cleaning head 750 is particularlyuseful in cleaning glass or polished surfaces as a quantity of achemical cleaning composition may be dispensed from the combinationcleaning device, wherein said composition is distributed through the barportion 720, whose resilient flexible strip 722 can be used tothereafter squeegee the treated glass or polished surfaces.

Turning now to FIG. 26B, therein is depicted a cleaning head 770 havinga neck portion 702 and depending from the distal end therof, a barportion 720 having both an outwardly depending resilient flexible strip722, and a downwardly depending strip of an absorbent material, 726which in preferred embodiments may be a sponge. While not shown in thefigure, it is contemplated that an abrasive wipe or other flexibleabrasive web may be associated with the absorbent material 726, such asthe web disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,506, the contents of which areherein incorporated by reference. The neck portion 702 includes athreaded recess 706 which includes mating threads which are adapted toreceive corresonding threads present on body (not shown) used to form acombination cleaning device. A fluid conduit 708, depicted in dottedlines extends from the interior of the neck portion 702 where it extendsinto the interior of the bar portion 720 wherein it divides into aplurality of fluid conduits 708A, and 708B each of which includes acorresponding outlet (not visible) from the bar portion 720. Thecleaning head 770 is particularly useful in cleaning glass or polishedsurfaces as a quantity of a chemical cleaning composition may be firsstdispensed from the combination cleaning device, and the strip ofabsorbent material 726 may be used to physically clean the window itbeing expected that the absorbent material acts as a reservoir for thecleaning composition and as an abrasive surface which may be used toloosen stains on a glass (or other hard )surface. In the preferredembodiment as shown in Figl 26B, the flexible strip 722, which isconveniently a rubber strip or strip of other elastomeric material ispositioned on a surface or face of the bar portion 720 other than thesurface, or face of the bar portion 720 to which the strip of absorbentmaterial 726 is affixed; as such, after the window is treated using thecleaning composition and the strip of absorbent material 726, thecombination cleaning device may be turned to then present and apply theflexible strip 722 to squeegee the treated window surface.

Turning now to FIG. 26C, therein is depicted a cleaning head 780 havinga neck portion 702 a depending flexible elongated body section 782, andat the distal end of said cleaning head 780 a brush head 784 comprisinga plurality of bristles 786. The neck portion 702 also includes athreaded recess 706 which includes mating threads which are adapted toreceive corresonding threads present on body (not shown) used to form acombination cleaning device. A fluid conduit 708, depicted in dottedlines extends from the interior of the neck portion 702 where it extendsthrough the interior of the flexible elongated body section 782 whereinit terminates at an outlet 788 at the distal end of the cleaning head780. Such an embodiment of the cleaning head according to the inventionis contemplated to provide a flexible cleaning head, wherein theflexible elongated body section 782 may be bent or otherwise deformedfrom a linear configuration as illustrated in FIG. 26C. Such a cleaninghead 780 is particularly adapted to be used in cleaning surfaces whichmay be difficult to reach by a consumer.

As flexibility is convenient in many instances, it is to be understoodthat a depending elongated body section 782 may be integrated into theconstruction of any other embodiment of a cleaning head according to theinvention and indeed forms certain preferred embodiments thereof.

With respect to FIG. 26D, therein is depicted a cleaning head 790 havinga neck portion 702 a curved body section 792, and at the distal end ofsaid cleaning head 790 a brush head 794 comprising a plurality ofbristles 796. The neck portion 702 also includes a threaded recess 706which includes mating threads which are adapted to receive corresondingthreads present on body (not shown) used to form a combination cleaningdevice. A fluid conduit 708, depicted in dotted lines extends from theinterior of the neck portion 702 where it extends through the interiorof the flexible elongated body section 792 wherein it terminates at anoutlet 798 at the distal end of the cleaning head 790. Such anembodiment of the cleaning head according to the invention iscontemplated to provide a cleaning head which may be used to cleansurfaces which are normally obscured to the consumer, such as theunderside or objects or overhanging portions of an object, such as theunderside rim of a toilet bowl.

Turning now to FIG. 26E therein is depicted a cleaning head 800 having aneck portion 802 a body section 804, and at the distal end of saidcleaning head 800 a mop head 810 comprising a plurality of fiber strands812. The neck portion 802 also includes a threaded recess 806 whichincludes mating threads which are adapted to receive corresondingthreads present on body (not shown) used to form a combination cleaningdevice. A fluid conduit 808, depicted in dotted lines extends from theinterior of the neck portion 802 where it extends through the interiorof the body section 804 wherein it terminates at an outlet at the distalend of the cleaning head 800, although said outlet is not visible in theFigure. The fiber strands 812 illustrated in the figure are loopedstrands but it it to be understood that any other flexible material,preferably flexible strands, flexible fibers or strips of a woven ornon-woven material or textile may be affixed to the mop head 810. Suchan embodiment of the cleaning head according to the invention iscontemplated to provide a cleaning head which may be used to cleansurface s wherein the benefit of a mop head in absorbing stains and/orphysically entraining or entagling soils or particles is desired.

While the illustrated embodiments of the invention have illustrated theunion of the body with a cleaning head either by a close tolerance fitsuch as a friction fit, or by a threaded coupling between said body andcleaning head, it is clearly contemplated that such are provided by wayof illustration and not by way of limitation. Indeed, according tocertain particularly preferred embodiments of the invention the cleaninghead is removably affixed to the body and may be interchanged by theuser of the combination cleaning device in order to address a particularcleaning or surface treatement need. The subsitution of a variety ofdifferent cleaning heads which may be affixed to the body and each ofwhich may be used to form a combination cleaning device is clearly to beconsidered within the scope of the invention, and the vending of a kitwhich includes one or more bodies which may be used with one or moreinterchangeable cleaning heads is expressly contemplated. In such a kit,it is required only that each of the different cleaning heads include aproximate end which may be removably attached to the body of thecombination cleaning device either directly or by means of anintermediate linking member such as an extension and include a conduitand at least one outlet to permit for the egres of the chemical cleaningcomposition at the distal end of the cleaning head. As such it will beappreciated that the utility of the combination cleaning device isgreatly improved due to the potential for interchangeability of thecleaning heads which may be used to form the device, as well as theutilty of the combination cleaning device with different chemicalcleaning compositions which may be selectively provided to thecombination cleaning device.

FIG. 27 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning deviceaccording to the invention. Depicted in a cut-away view is a portion ofa combination cleaning device according to FIG. 20. Depicted is thedistal end 444 of the handle portion 440, a portion of a vessel 820,here an aerosol canister is depicted, an electrical motor 822, rotatablewheel 824 is eccentrically mounted on the shaft 826 of the electricalmotor, wherein electrial power is supplied from a battery 828 when twoswitches 830, 832 are closed to form a circuit supplied through suitablewires 834. In use, the user grasps the distal end 444 of the handleportion, and engages both switches 830, 832 which closes the electricalcircuit and causes the electrical motor 822 to rotate. The rotatingmotor 822 in turn causes the eccentrically mounted wheel 824 to rotate,which in certain parts of its rotation causes the sheel 824 to engage apart of the vessel 820 and urge it in a direction away from the distalend 444, which action causes the cleaning composition to be impelledfrom the combination cleaning device. For example, the embodimentdepicted on FIG. 27 may be advantageously used in conjunction with otherembodiments of the invention, particularly as shown on FIGS. 21-24.

FIG. 28 depicts a further embodiment of the combination cleaning deviceaccording to the invention. Depicted in a cut-away view is a portion ofa combination cleaning device according to FIG. 20. Depicted is thedistal end 444 of the handle portion 440, a portion of a vessel 820,here an aerosol canister is depicted, a solenoid 840 wherein electrialpower is supplied from a battery 828 when two switches 830, 832 areclosed to form a circuit supplied through suitable wires 834. In use,the user grasps the distal end 444 of the handle portion, and engagesboth switches 830, 832 which actuates the plunger 842 of the solenoidtowards the vessel 820 and urges it in a direction away from the distalend 444, which action causes the cleaning composition to be impelledfrom the combination cleaning device. For example, the embodimentdepicted on FIG. 27 may be advantageously used in conjunction with otherembodiments of the invention, particularly as shown on FIGS. 21-24.

FIG. 29 depicts a further embodiment of the combination cleaning deviceaccording to the invention. Depicted in a cut-away view is a portion ofa combination cleaning device according to FIG. 20. Depicted is thedistal end 444 of the handle portion 440, a portion of a vessel 850,here a collapsible bellows bottle is depicted, an electrical motor 852wherein electrial power is supplied from a battery 828 when two switches830, 832 are closed to form a circuit supplied through suitable wires834. In use, the user grasps the distal end 444 of the handle portion,and engages both switches 830, 832 which engages the motor 852. Theshaft of the motor 852 includes a gear 854 which engages a piston rod856 which has a rack of mating gear teeth 858 and a piston 860 attachedto one end of the piston rod 856. When the gear 854 rotates it engagesthe mating gear teeth 858, which moves the piston rod 856 and urges thepiston 860 in a direction away from the distal end 444, which actioncauses the compression of the bellows bottle 850 and causes the cleaningcomposition to be impelled from the combination cleaning device.

While the embodiments of FIGS. 27 and 29 illustrate an electrical motorwithout a train of reduction gears or gearbox, it is contemplated thatone or more further gears may be present to redue the rotation speed ofthe wheel 824 or the rotatinal speed of the gear 854. Alternately anappropriate electrical circuit may be used to limit the rotationalvelocity of the motor directly by varying its in put voltage or currentor both in order to provide a reduced rotational speed from the motor.

It is further to be understood that while the embodiments of FIGS. 27,28 and 29 illustrate two electrical switches 830, 832 which need beclosed to permit engagement of the motor or acutation of the solenoid, asingle switch or a further number of switches may be used insteadwithout detracting from the present invention. The use of two electricalswitches 830, 832 enhances the likelihood that the cleaning compositionwill be expelled inadvertantly.

FIG. 30 depicts an embodiment of the combination cleaning deviceaccording to the invention. Depicted in a cut-away view is a portion ofa combination cleaning device according to FIG. 20. Depicted is thedistal end 444 of the handle portion 440, a portion of a vessel 870,here a deformable bag (plenum) 872 in an open ended canister isdepicted. The embodiment includes an an enagageable shaft 880 here aflexible shaft having a rack of teeth 882, and an engagement pawl 884associated with the trigger 458 of the combination cleaning device. Inoperation, depressing the user grasping the distal end 444 manuallydepresses the trigger 485 which moves the engagement pawl 884 to engageone of the teech 882 which causes engageable shaft 880 having a piston886 attached at one end thereof to move linearly in a direction awayfrom the distal end 444. The piston 886 therby compresses the deformablebag 872 within the vessel 870, and causes the cleaning composition to beexpelled. This motive force may be used to expel a cleaning compositionfrom any of a variety of vessels which may be used with the presentinvention, particulary with non-pressurized vessels such as bellowsbottles, or other collapsible or manually deformable vessels, inaddition to the deformable bag 872 illustrated in the Figure.

FIG. 31A and 31B illustrate alternate mounting devices for removablymounting cleaning heads upon the body of a combination cleaning device.In 31A is illustrated, in a partial cut-away view a section of a bodypart 900 according to the invention and a section of a cleaning head,here the core 910 of a brush head such as is illustrated, inter alia, onFIG. 19 as 11, and alternately on FIG. 20 as 405. It it to be understoodthat the bristles (not shown) are anchored to and extend outwardly fromthe core 910. As is seen, the body part 900 includes a dimensionedreceiving cavity 912 at the distal end thereof which includes two lockpins 916, which receiving cavity 912 is suitably configured to receivethe distal connecting end 914 of the core 910.

FIG. 31B illusrates in an alternate view the core 910 and the connectingend 914, which connecting end includes two channels 918 therein,terminating in a lock lobe 920. It will be understood that according tothe embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 31A, 31B the that core 910 may beremovably affixed to the body part 900 by inserting the connecting end914 into the receiving cavity 912 such that the lock lobes 920 engagethe channels 918. The core 910 is fully inserted, and ultimately twistedto engage the lock lobes 920 upon the lock pins 916 to form adisengageable bayonet-type lock. Greater or lesser lock pins andalternate configurations of such a bayonet-type lock are also foreseenand may be used, it being only required that less than 360 degrees ofrotation, prefeably less than 180 degrees of rotation and mostpreferably not more than 90 degrees of rotation be required to form sucha bayonet lock. Such a bayonet lock may be used in any embodiment of theinvention and forms a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 32 illustrate alternate mounting devices for removably mountingcleaning heads upon the body of a combination cleaning device. Thereonis illustrated a part of a body 950, which also includes two exteriorrecesses 952 each of which in turn includes a lock detent 854 (only oneof each is visible in FIG. 32). The cleaning head 960, here illustratedas a bristle brush head such as is illustrated, inter alia, on FIG. 19as 11, and alternately on FIG. 20 as 405, includes a core 962 having twoupwardly extending locking arms 964, each each of which includes alocking tab 966 (only one visible in FIG. 32). In use, the cleaning head960 is simply inserted onto the body 950 such that the two upwardlyextending locking arms 964 are inserted into the corresponding exteriorrecesses 952 which in turn engages the lock detent 954 with the lockingtab 966. The cleaning head 960 is released by withdrawing one or bothupwardly extending locking arms 964 to disengage the lock detents 954from corresponding locking tabs 966, after which the cleaning head 960may be removed. Such a spring-arm lock arrangement may be used in anyembodiment of the invention and forms certain preferred embodiments ofthe invention.

The combination cleaning device may be used to treat any of a variety ofhard or soft surfaces. Exemplary hard surfaces include surfaces composedof refractory materials such as: glazed and unglazed tile, brick,porcelain, ceramics as well as stone including marble, granite, andother stone surfaces; concrete surfaces, mortar surfaces, grout,finished and unfinished wood surfaces, finished and unfinished flooringsurfaces, painted surfaces, glass; metals; plastics e.g. polyester,vinyl; fiberglass, Formica®, and other hard surfaces known to theindustry. Hard surfaces are typically classed as non-porous surfaces.Hard surfaces which are to be particularly denoted are lavatory fixturessuch as shower stalls, bathtubs and bathing appliances (racks, curtains,shower doors, shower bars) toilets, bidets, furniture surfacesparicularly painted, lacquered, polyurethane or other coated woodsurfaces, flooring surfaces including lineolum, tile, as well painted,lacquered, polyurethane or other coated flooring surfaces, and the like.Further hard surfaces include those associated with kitchen environmentsas well as other environments associated with food preparation,including cabinets and countertop surfaces as well as walls and floorsurfaces. Further hard surfaces include glass surfaces such as windows,building trim surfaces and siding materials, e.g., aluminum, vinyl,brick and coated wood surfaces, as well as hard surfaces which may befound on vehicles such as cars, trucks, boats, and aircraft such asinterior and exterior surfaces of such vehicles, as well as hubcaps,moldings, fixtures, handles, grips, mirrors, grilles, and the like.Exemplary soft surfaces include yarns, fibers, fabrics and textiles inunfinished form or in finished form, including carpets, upholstery,garments, drapery, seating surfaces, panel surfaces such as found withinthe interior of vehicles, and the like.

The combination cleaning device may be formed from any material whichmay be formed to produce the body and/or cleaning head. Advantageouslyall or parts of the cleaning device are produced from moldable syntheticpolymer materials, such as a thermoplastic synthtiec polymer material assuch materials are widely and readily available and can be convenientlyformed, such as by injection molding, into one or more parts of thecombination cleaning device as described herein.

According to certain inventive embodiments, preferably, 100-400 ml,preferably 100-300 ml, of chemical cleaning composition can be containedin the vessel.

The viscosity of the cleaning composition is usually not a limitingfactor as it is contemplated that various chemical compositions whichprovide a cleaning and/or disinfecting effect may be used in thecombination cleaning device, and the viscosity of such a cleaningcomposition may be influenced by its function. For example, wherein thecleaning composition is a glass cleaning compositions, the viscosity maybe similar to that of water, or may be slighly thickened, e.g, to about25 centipoise (cps.) Altenrately wherein the the cleaning composition isa toilet bowl cleaning and/or disinfecting composition, said toilet bowlcleaning and/or disinfecting composition may be more viscous, e.g,typically may have a viscosity of about 100 cps or in excess thereof.

It is contemplated that according to any aspect of the invention, thecleaning composition which has been described in conjunction with thecombination cleaning device may also concurrently provide a sanitizingfunction, or disinfecting function to treated hard and/or soft surfaces.It is also contemplated that according to any aspect of the invention,the cleaning composition may consist solely of a composition whichprovides sanitizing or disinfecting function, and provide little or nocleaning effect.

A combination cleaning device and method of cleaning a hard or softsurface employing the combination cleaning device have been providedshowing improved user satisfaction and effectiveness. The combinationcleaning device and cleaning method offer a number of different cleaningpossibilities to the user, the user being free to select which mostsuits their cleaning requirements. Furthermore, the combination cleaningdevice provided is easy to use, easy to assess in use, desirably doesnot leak or drip when the vessel is replaced, allows for accuratedirection of cleaning composition into the target surface.

1. A combination cleaning device comprising: a body graspable by a userof the device, and which body contains a vessel containing a cleaningcomposition, means for impelling chemical cleaning composition along aconduit from the body to a cleaning head, wherein the cleaning headincludes at least one outlet for the cleaning composition.
 2. Thecombination cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the cleaninghead is permanently affixed to the body of the combination cleaningdevice.
 3. The combination cleaning device according to claim 1 whereinthe cleaning head is removably affixed to the body of the combinationcleaning device.
 4. The combination cleaning device according to claim 1which further includes an interlocking device mounted on said vessel orwithin the body of the combination cleaning devicewhich must be properlyengaged in order to permit dispensation of the cleaning composition fromthe vessel when the combination cleaning device is used.
 5. Thecombination cleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the vessel isremovable from within the body and is replaceable within the body. 6.The combination cleaning device according to claim 1 claim wherein themeans for impelling the cleaning composition includes an electricalmotor or electrical solenoid.
 7. The combination cleaning deviceaccording to claim 1 wherein the means for impelling the cleaningcomposition includes a pressurized aerosol canister which comprises apressurizable canister, and a manually actuated valve which, whenactuated, releases its contents under pressure.
 8. The combinationcleaning device according to claim 1 wherein the means for impelling thecleaning composition includes one or more mechanical elements which areused to deform a non-pressurized vessel.
 9. A combination cleaningdevice according to claim 4 wherein the interlocking device mounted onthe vessel comprises a plate having a generally circular downwardlydepending skirt, one or more spring legs depending upwardly from theplate, and a central orifice which is positioned above a valve stem ofthe vessel.
 10. (canceled)
 11. The combination cleaning device accordingto claim 1 wherein the means for impelling the cleaning compositionincludes a pressurized aerosol canister which comprises a pressurizablecanister, and a manually actuated valve which, when actuated, releasesits contents under pressure, and wherein the device further comprises aninterlocking device, said interlocking device comprising a plate havinga generally circular downwardly depending skirt, one or more spring legsdepending upwardly from the plate, and a central orifice which ispositioned above a valve stem of the manually actuated valve of thepressurized aerosol canister.
 12. The combination cleaning deviceaccording to claim 11 wherein the pressurized aerosol canister isremovable from within the body and is replaceable within the body. 13.The combination cleaning device according to claim 11 wherein the thepressurized aerosol canister is removable from within the body and isreplaceable within the body, and wherein the interlocking device ismounted upon the pressurized aerosol canister.